We Remember
KUYEK, Alvin
April 5, 1939 — December 5, 2015
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother. He was born in Bankend, Saskatchewan. Alvin was predeceased by his parents Michael and Raifta Kuyek; brothers John and Peter Kuyek; sisters Mary Leschuk, Anne Evanski and Jennie Yasinowski. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Lily; son Terry (Sherry); daughters Debbie (Darrell), Michele (Dennis); grandchildren; Lisa (Eric), Nicole (Arden), Isaac, Kayla, Ally; and great grandchildren; Kaity and Dylan. He also leaves behind his sister Natalie, brother Joe (Esther) and numerous nieces and nephews. Alvin began his teaching career in 1958 in a one room school in Clarkson, SK. From there, he taught in Outlook and Canora, SK and eventually moved to Regina in 1966, where he taught at Benson and Imperial Elementary schools before moving to Scott Collegiate. He finished off his first career at Robert Usher Collegiate in Regina and retired in 1987 at the age of 50. Dad and Mom moved to Penticton in 1989. He was president of the local Kiwanis Club and taught English as a second language in Oliver. His second career took him and Mom to Botswana, Africa for three years where he taught English at a London Missionary School. It was a wonderful experience. They then went to Ukraine through the University of Saskatchewan Second Languages where he set up English Schools to teach English for business purposes in three cities. They were able to meet relatives and visit the villages where their families originated. Through his international teaching experience, Dad and Mom made many friends from all over the world and were blessed to travel to many locations. They relocated from Penticton to Kelowna ten years ago. Dad was very involved with his church and always involved in committee and community work. He was a gentle person which was reflected in the outpouring of support Mom has received from the community. He was an avid sports fan and kept loyal to the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He enjoyed reminding his British Columbia family and friends of this. He will truly be missed by all. We wish to show our appreciation and thanks to Dr. Chamberlain for all his support as well as the first responders and trauma team in emergency for all their efforts and kindness. Prayers will be held on Friday, December 11th at 6:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 12th at 10:00 am at Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 1935 Barlee Road, Kelowna, BC. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Prayer Service
Friday, December 11th at 6:00 pm
Service
Saturday, December 12th at 10:00 am
Location
Sts. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
Kuyek family,
Our thoughts and prayers go to the Kuyek family on the loss of a dearly loved one.
Cherish the many memories you had together.
“ETERNAL BE HIS MEMORY” “VICHNAYA PAMYAT”
Andrew & Karen Feniuk
Okanagan Falls BC
Our thoughts are with all of you at this very sad time. Alvin was a kind and gentle man. Always full of humour and stories from his travels. He will be missed by all
Rhonda, Brent, Melissa, Jessica, Shawn, Elise, Sultan, Faizah and Saleh
I had the honor of meeting Alvin Kuyek in 2009 when I visited the USRA/TYC Kelowna Branch. Alvin was very thoughtful and possessed a lot of knowledge about his branch and its activities. I appreciated his quiet manner and his kind approach to all matters. He was kind and caring and made me feel at home when I visited the branch and its membership. My thoughts go out to his family – his dear wife Lily and the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Vichnya Pamyat! Memory Eternal!
Emil Yereniuk, National President, Ukrainian Self-Reliance Association of Canada
Lily and Family
Were are very sorry to hear that Alvin passed on. We will remember him as a kind and very capable person. May he rest in peace. May God give you the strength to live through this difficult time. God Bless.
Marge and Bill Dumanski
We would like to express our deepest condolences to Lily and family. We met Alvin when he and Lily came to Ukraine to teach English. As his relatives and students, we had the privilege to be touched by his kindness, wisdom and generosity. We will be forever grateful for Alvin’s valuable advice and support through the long immigration process and settlement in Canada. We are left with many fond memories of the time we spend together in Ukraine and here in Canada. Alvin will be greatly missed by us, our girls, Victoria and Tatiana, and their families, as well as family in Ukraine (Tamara, Natalia, Yuri, Zirka’s family, Kushniryks and Khudyks).
Memory eternal. Tsarstvo nebesne, vichna pamiat i zemlia jomu pukhom.
Svitlana & Yaroslav Chebri
Edmonton AB
Rest in peace Alvin. I have many memories of growing up in the Bankend Sask area. Attending Foamlake composite graduating and going our separate ways. We are in the twilit of our yrs. Lily take care and God bless Stan and ValMamela
Our sincere condolences and prayers to Lily and Famiy at this time of sorrow. Your Loss is Heaven’s Gain.
May Alvin rest in peace. He will be missed. Harvey & Ollie Yule.
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to you the Kuyek Family. We will keep you in our prayers .. Gerry & Joanne Huber Maui Hawaii
Our fondest wishes go out to all the Kuyek family and especially Lily. We have such wonderful memories of our time in Botswana with Lily and Alvin, and our visit to Canada. Alvin was always such a gentleman and a joy to be around. We certainly will miss him and know Lily is surrounded by a large and loving family who will help her get through this difficult time. Our best wishes from Down Under – Sydney – Brett, Cathy and Seaton.
Another Botswana photo with Lily and Alvin
Fond memories and happy times in Botswana